Chad Reuter Mock Draft

[masterpanthera_t]

Some reasons why I want two good linemen (taken with 1,2 or 3 picks) drafted are bolstering of depth with high end players, improving overall versatility on the line, planning for injuries, and getting new starters in place with players leaving in FA next year (like Reiff), improving pass protection for Burrow's development and to improve the running game which will leave much more manageable third downs for JB, which will improve the offense as a whole (even if we don't add to the WR corps). Worst case, WR can be added next year but it will be better to add OL now, fur two reasons: immediate protection for JB, and continuity building which is more important for OL so that in year three of JB, the line is set and the Bengals can start to have realistic playoff hopes. If JB is upright and develops his reading of the game this year, adding a new high end WR next year will take the offense to a higher level compared to adding receiver this year while JB is not developing as much due to a weaker line, if they don't get the linemen this year. That's why I hoped they would have already addressed the line in FA so that they only had to get one good OL in the draft (with a bit of leeway to develop through the year), instead of having to come out of the draft with solid OL men. Considering JB, is a young player, it is more important that he keeps developing the right way. If he was a five to six year veteran, it's not as critical because you don't have to worry about bad habits taking root (it would be too late if they have anyway).